At a glance
"Right-to-work" legislation bars companies and unions from negotiating contracts requiring nonmembers to pay fees for representation.
Right-to-work laws sprang from the provisions of the federal 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, which monitors labor union activities. Twenty-two states, primarily in the South and West, have thus far enacted laws outlawing making membership or payment of union dues a condition of employment.
Indiana had a right to work law until 1957, when it was repealed, according to state legislators.
A storm is building in Indianapolis, and it's not of the winter blizzard variety.
The tempest, rather, is primed to consume the Statehouse, where Hoosier lawmakers are poised next year to resurrect "right-to-work" legislation.
Earlier this year, the controversial topic -- among others aimed at labor unions -- led to a five-week shutdown of the Indiana House, when Democrats left the state to deny Republicans the necessary quorum to do business.
Now, weeks before the 2012 General Assembly session begins, top Republican legislators have vowed the issue will be the top priority come Jan. 4.
Here's a look at the top five arguments for passing or defeating the controversial legislation, as told by those on both sides.
Copyright © 2024 www.jconline.com